Day 1 - Plein Air Invitational
It was a glorious first day for the Stanwood - Camano Island “paint out”. Sunny and warm and not a cloud in the sky. Just before 9 am, the artists started arriving at the gallery where I had fresh coffee and muffins waiting. We took a quick look at the maps and then the artists headed out for a day of painting. Some went in groups while others chose to find a perfect spot on their own.
At English Boom on Camano Island
A group of seven artists decided on English Boom park on the north end of Camano Island. This group and has painted together before. Our photographer Cindy Ellinger enjoyed meeting these artists and listening to their stories.
Richard Smith from Bonney Lake (above) was one of the group of seven. Other artists at this site included Mehdi Fallahian from Snohomish, Dianna Shyne (below) from Camano Island, Randolph and Roderick Jones, Ann Gores of Bellevue, and Ned Mueller of Renton.
Ned Mueller (below) is a nationally-known artist who specializes in plein air landscapes and figurative and portrait paintings. I heard many great comments about Ned from the other artists throughout the day. Rod Jones (below) shared that he is a third year student of Ned’s. Others mentioned how entertaining and generous Ned is with his teaching and demonstrations.
Above - Ann Gores poses next to her painting in the grassy area at English Boom.
Below - Mehdi Fallahian stays cool in the shade at English Boom.
At the Mark Clark Bridge
Artist Linda Bean took the road on the north side of the Mark Clark bridge. Without a chair, she improvises when it comes time for a rest.
“It is an interesting perspective that people have of Plein Air style. Some might think what a great way to paint, outside on a wonderful day, flowing hats. But, what they don’t know of is the sudden gust of wind that can send a canvas over the cliff, or when we’ve just completed a painting and then reach for the camera and a gust of wind knocks everything to the ground. Oh well, start over.” - Linda Bean
At Indian Beach
A group of local Stanwood and Camano Island artists including Diane Hill, Liz Hamlin, Jeanine Borree, Sue Uhrich, Judy Kilian, Juanita Hagberg, and Emilia Kallock, chose a nice spot at Indian Beach to spend their afternoon painting.
At the End of the Day
A few of the artists stopped by the gallery at the end of the day. It was great to hear their stories and enthusiasm! Watch this quick interview with Blanche Niznik and Lynnett Fink!
The magic of artists creating their work is energizing and motivating. I can’t wait to see what happens tomorrow. Stay tuned for the next update …
ps - Be sure to save the date for the Opening Reception next week (July 17th, 5 pm to 8 pm)
See Also:
Day 2 - Plein Air Invitational
DAY 3 - Plein Air Invitational
DAY 4 - Plein Air Invitational
July 11th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Thank you for sending this delightful e-mail and video !!
It was a joy to view and hear.
What wonderful (dare I say “perfect” weather we had for the event.
You did a great job - as it looks like everyone had a terrific experience.
Janet
July 15th, 2008 at 12:16 am
Painting is a joy…a passion that is given new life when participating in a wonderful event as this Plein Air Festival.
Lets really keep this going and please excuse those of us who use oils and the fact that they take time to dry.
Thank you Gayle.
Sue